LUHSD Foundation Holiday Tour: Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 1. Embrace the spirit of the season in East County with a tour of festively decorated homes and businesses for the holidays. The tour is presented by the Liberty Union High School District Education Foundation with proceeds benefiting the foundation. $35, $40 at the door (incudes a glass of wine). Tickets: www.educationwins.org or at Hannah Nicole Vineyards, 6700 Balfour Road, Brentwood. For information, call 925-634-2166, or go to www.educationwins.org.

Grand Menorah Lighting: 4 p.m. Dec. 9. Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek. A huge Menorah will be erected by the Promenade Fountain followed by music, traditional Hanukkah doughnuts, face painting, crafts for children and greetings by city dignitaries.

Navidad Nuestra: 8 p.m. Dec. 15. The Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison St., Oakland. The San Francisco Boys Chorus presents "Navidad Nuestra," a folk drama of the Nativity in the rhythms and traditions of Hispanic America and other holiday favorites. $20, $25 at the door, kids free. www.sfbc.org.

"A Christmas Story": 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7-8, Dec. 14-15, St. Catherine of Siena School, 1300 Bayswater Ave, Burlingame. A winter classic directed by teacher Michael Miller with a cast and crew comprise of talented and dedicated students from junior high classes. General $10, students and children $8. 650- 344-7176, www.stcos.com.

Holiday Puppet Show at Gamble Garden: 9:30 a.m. Dec. 8, 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto. The Nick Barone Puppets with lovable monsters and festive songs. The story is designed to delight families and children of all ages. Light refreshments served. Members $10, nonmembers $15. 650-329-1356, ext. 201, www.gamblegarden.org.

Union Street Festival of Lights: 3-7 p.m. Dec. 1. Union Street in the Cow Hallow neighborhood. Features thousands of holiday lights set off Victorian buildings, jugglers, live ponies dressed as reindeers, costumed characters, singers, hay ride and live entertainment. Pose for pictures with Santa from 5:30-7 p.m. in front of Cudworth Mansion. www.sresproductions.com

Holiday concert and lighting: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1. Fisherman's Wharf. Enjoy the sounds of the San Francisco City Chorus as they perform holiday songs in the lagoon at Fisherman's Wharf. New this year -- a countdown and lighting of the Fisherman's and Seaman's Memorial Chapel and a special appearance by old St. Nick. Free. www.visitfishermanswharf.com.

Sing You a Merry Christmas: 11 a.m. Dec. 8 and 11 a.m. Dec. 15. Grace Cathedreal, 1100 California St. Children and families are invited to sing along to favorite Christmas carols with a cast of colorful characters. $5-$25. www.gracecathedral.org.

Bill Graham Menorah Lighting: Dec. 8-15. Union Square. Ceremony times vary each night. A candle will be lit each day for eight days starting Dec. 8. Snacks and warm drinks will be offered at each lighting ceremony with activities for kids. www.chabadsf.org.

Boat Parade: 6 p.m. Dec. 14. More than 60 boats decorated with lights and holiday decorations will parade along the waterfront starting at Pier 39 and travel to Marina Green before returning to Pier 39. www.visitfishermanswharf.com.

SOUTH BAY

Christmas in the Park: 9 a.m.-midnight daily, through New Year's Day. Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose. Features lights, Christmas trees, holiday music and animated elves, Winter Wonderland, amusement rides and attractions, including a 60-foot Ferris wheel that sprawls through downtown. www.christmasinthepark.com.

Downtown Ice: This outdoor ice skating rink is located between the Fairmont Hotel and San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose. Hours vary. Admission to the rink, which is open until Jan. 13, is $13-$15 (including skates and ice time). www.sjdowntown.com/downtownice.

"The Nutcracker": Times vary. Dec. 8-23. San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd. Ballet San Jose presents this holiday classic of a young girl and her beloved nutcracker. $30-$105. Schedule: www.balletsj.org/nutcracker.html. 408-288-2800.

Season of Hope: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12-23, 80 S Market St., San Jose. This series of free concerts offered by Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph starts with the San Jose Youth Symphony on Dec. 12 and ends with the Harpers Hall Celtic Harpists on Dec. 23. Schedule: www.stjosephcathedral.org.

City Lights Theater Company's "Christmas Shorts": Through Dec. 23, City Lights, 528 S. Second St. A series of short holiday-related plays by playwright Matt Hoverman. $16.95-$29.95 http://cltc.org.